Anterior Glenohumeral Instability

Anterior shoulder dislocations, subluxations, and recurrent instability of the shoulder joint are common problems usually affecting a young active population. However, it can be a problem for patients up to the late decades in life and can lead to major shoulder arthropathy if left untreated or improperly treated. This article discusses the natural history, pathologic morphologic changes of the shoulder joint associated with anterior instability along with normal anatomic variants. We will also discuss current treatment recommendations and possible causes of the patient with recurrent instability despite prior stabilization procedures.